"The embracing of Islam by a large number of expatriate workers in the Kingdom in a single year shows that Islam is spreading fast despite the strident smear campaign against the religion by its enemies," said Faisal Al-Shami, deputy director of IEF.

He said the majority of non-Muslim expatriates in the Kingdom are interest to learn about Islam.

"Among them, there are a few people who show enmity toward Islam and we try to engage them through constructive dialogue. There is another group of expatriates who do not give any value to religious faith," he said.

Al-Shami said more than 7,000 expatriates having different nationalities have accepted Islam during the last 15 years as a result of IEF's work.

"We provide them with intensive courses on Islam to strengthen their faith and assist them to perform Haj," he said.

James Bradley, 63, a British consultant for a Saudi company, who embraced Islam last year was supposed to attend Friday's ceremony, but he died five months after his conversion to Islam. He had adopted his new name as Jamal.

A Protestant Christian, Bradley came to Saudi Arabia when he was 31. During the last three decades he had often expressed his desire to accept Islam, said Al-Shami. After pronouncing the Shahada (that there is no god but God and Muhammad is the Prophet of God), he said he felt like his heart has been cleansed.

IEF, having offices in Alhamrah, Corniche and downtown Jeddah, operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance. It organizes lectures, seminars, competitions and Umrah trips.

During school vacations, the foundation would hold a program named Hawiruni (talk to me) when people will be encouraged to ask questions on various topics. These programs will be held mostly at commercial centers. "Our programs are aimed at highlighting Islamic faith, values and teachings and protecting Muslim youth and families from un-Islamic thoughts and ideas," said Ismaeel Abu Taleb, manager for public relations and resource development.